[Nfb-krafters-korner] off topic a question about blindness and how to explain it 2 sided people

Mon Oct 6 13:30:59 UTC 2014

 Hi Portia;

Hi Portia;
I and a mobility instructer are working with Henry to build up his independence.  He was guided around to much by Thair van drivers, up north.  We went to the bank in Giant and I had him find the bank.  Someone asked if we needed help.  I said, I am just helping him to learn his way around.
When leaving, I had him lead the way to where we were going to have dinner.  I gave him a clue or two and told him what the brick thing he was coming across.  He even found pumpkins outside the store.

Back to you.  How about asking a friend that is not living with you to assist in labeling all appliences, if they are not done.  Keep your londry in a different basket from the others.  Henry and I, each do our own.  We each do our own beds and all the towls are done at once.  

How about doing your own londry and then, saying, look what I did today, I did my own londry, today.  Today I walked from A to B.  Today I cooked some ---.  Do you want to try some?   When they see you do things and let them know maybe they will finally realize you can do things on your own.

I have orthapetic problems.  My friend said on day,  Sophie is sheading again.  I took on the chalange to try to vacuum the rug, again.  My sister usually cleans, once in a while for me.  When my sister came over, I asked her, how did I do?
Don't be imbarrissed to ask how you did.
It may take a while for them to relax.  Show them your crafts.  People are surprised at my talent!

Hope this helps.

Many of us experience this, but not in such a strong way.

A guard in my office building was suprized that I could deliver,pick up and also drop off applications to the passport office and take 2 shuddle busses to get to our cashier to pick up government checks.

Terry P.

-----Original Message-----
From: Henrietta Brewer via Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org] 
Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2014 11:25 PM
To: knitangelpm; List for blind crafters and artists
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] off topic a question about blindness and how to explain it 2 sided people

Hi Portia,
Back in the days that I actually got out on my own, I had a bit of vision. Over the years of being attached to children and oxygen hoses I have lost all of my vision. Now that I am a Widow, I have to learn lots of things again.

I do have a mobility instructor coming to help me, but now I have a bulging nerve that is giving my left leg problems and a torn maniscus on my right knee I am back to being grounded. lol

I have been in charge for many years. The girls, even grown and Moms on their own have always called for advice. Now, they want to be my Mom. Well, that is until Grandma needs a lot all at one time, LOL My Mom, their Grandma, is ninety eight and needs more help every day. lol

Well, back to your issue. My neighbors followed me silently up and down the street when I started practicing my mobility. Then one day when my instructor and I were out, one of my neighbors asked if I was safe going out on my own. I have to tell you, my strongest feelings were those of happiness. I am glad they care enough. At sixty seven you would think I didn't need to be checked on so, but if I fell I would be very greatfull for help up.

My Daughter called the beauty shop the first time I took paratransit alone and asked if I made it. Instead of being embarrassed or angry I just laughed. She had told the shop that she had to work or she could have brought me. I told them I planned the appointment so she would be working and I could practice on my own. We all had a good laugh and they reminded me that someone who cares that much is worth their weight in gold.

I think as you get more familiar with your new friends and your new neighborhood things will calm down. JUst try to help them make this new learning experience fun for everyone.

Hey, one thing I found for ease in traveling with a cane is the big roller ball. I like the fact that the cane never leaves the ground. I won't be as likely to miss a curb or a depression in the sidewalks. Ours are awful. Some places have three inch drops.I haven't gotten lost in my neighborhood yet. But I am causious. lol

I don't think anyone who can see will ever understand what our lives are. Wait, we probably don't know either. Because for the most part, this is how we are right now. What used to be is gone.

Good luck
Henrietta
On Oct 4, 2014, at 9:42 PM, knitangelpm via Nfb-krafters-korner wrote:

> sorry to hear about your twisted ankle my friend I live on a street 
> that has three lanes on either side and on the other Street is a busy 
> street as well with two or three lanes on either side now however 
> there are some intersections that I'm able to cross in the streets are 
> not as busy. and that is with a limited hearing I do have without 
> hearing aids.
> also I do tend to stray as well when I walk I don't walk a straight 
> line but I'm very careful about my surroundings since I use a white 
> cane and I know to pay more attention to where I'm at.
> I can cook with some assistance since a lot of times when I cook meat 
> I need to make sure that it's completely done. rice and vegetables are 
> not as hard for me since I can do that by feel and taste.
> I have asked on numerous occasions why people just don't allow me to 
> do what I've normally done before they have come into my life there 
> are times that I do feel smothered and I know I have said on occasion 
> to my significant other that there's going to be a day where he's not 
> going to be here to help me and I need to learn how to do certain task 
> and he needs to show me for instance laundry sorting the laundry to 
> where it's easy for me to figure out without the aid of a side of 
> person.
> I used to like going to the mall on my own and I had been able to 
> explore them all without the assistance of others to find my own 
> landmarks and nowhere to come in or out I have explained this to both 
> him and the other individuals that lives in the house with me that I'm 
> able to do this without someone having to help me every time no I am 
> NOT for me with his neighborhood yet until I can get an orientation 
> mobility instructor to come out and show me the way. where I used to 
> live everything was within walking distance and very convenient for me 
> to get to I am at least a couple of miles from the nearest major cross 
> street in order to find a lot of the businesses that I am familiar 
> with. but as I said and I'm crying as I write this with a limited 
> hearing that I have cross the street on my own without no help all I 
> want is just a little bit more independence of my life back but I 
> won't get that until I have my hearing aids I can take the bus to the 
> area that I most familiar with but it would take me at least 15 
> minutes to get there in a way I never knew it would be so difficult 
> and so hard for me right now I just felt isolated right now even just 
> to take a short walk the lady that I rent from does not understand why 
> I go by myself I live near a park and that's not too far for me to 
> walk there's always a lot of families in there with their kids plus 
> there's a zoo so its not a bad place to go and sit and enjoy the day 
> when I want to be able to be outside even to just take my crafts with 
> me anyway I'm sorry for putting this all upon you all maybe I am going 
> a little overboard I don't know but I do miss the things that I had 
> been used to.
> 
> Portia
> 
> 
> 
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